THE closure of a Worcestershire village to through traffic was based on flawed information and will be the death knell for surrounding communities, a county councillor has claimed.

Coun Liz Tucker said the closure of Wyre Piddle at the eastern railway bridge was agreed to by the county council's cabinet, in June, in the mistaken belief that 50 per cent of villagers were in favour of sealing off the village when, in fact, only 30 per cent had backed the idea.

She also told members of the council's environment and sustainability scrutiny panel - which had called in the cabinet's decision - that she feared bus services could stop as a result of the move.

And that would have a knock-on effect for neighbouring communities and businesses.

"The opinion of those outside the bypass plan has not been paid any attention and they are the people who will be affected," she said.

"There has never been an explanation why it was decided to change from access only, to closing the village completely. If these aspects had been taken into account, the decision would have been reverted to the position of making the village access only and with traffic calming measures."

But panel chairman, Coun Peter Fallows, said at the end of the meeting that he was happy the cabinet had taken into account all the relevant information and made the correct decision.

Richard Wigginton, director of environmental services, said it was always difficult to guarantee bus services because of the involvement of operators, but steps were being taken to ensure services remained.

Councillors voted five to two that the cabinet had kept to the principles of decision-making. Coun Mike Oborski called the decision a "travesty".